JUN 28, 2008

  A Little More Vader In Your Future

  BTDT reader JunkieJedi writes in to tell us:

  "Just a little tidbit for ur other readers out there- in the Back To The Future DVD,
  specifically in the deleted/extended scenes section, you get to hear a little
  more dialogue by Marty McFly portraying Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan.
  He doesn't say anything SW-specific but thought you might like to pass that
  along..."

  Thanks JJ! We're sure our other readers will love the update, since BTDT's reading
  community caters to ALL scifi fans, not just Star Wars.  Great info!

10:00AM - EST   

  Forget Fertility Drugs

  Trying to get pregnant?  Don't bother with the insurance companies, referrals,
  OR a specialist!  Just let Indiana Jones lend a hand!

  The only prerequisite is: you have to speak Hovitos..

7:00AM - EST   

  Happy Birthday ROBOCOP

  The man who coined the phrase "Dead or alive, you're coming with me....."
  turns 61 today.  Best Wishes, Peter!

12:00PM - EST   

  beforethedarktimes.com Reviews ZZ TOP

  See what BTDT had to say about the Texas trio!

9:00AM - EST   

  KOTOR Makes "Games That Let You Behave Badly" Lineup

  Included in the GameDaily lineup of games that really let you go to the Dark Side
  is the infamous Knights Of The Old Republic.  The details on that game and the
  others in the lineup here.

9:00PM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events: ZZ TOP!

  For you fellow 80s aficionados, the classic rock band ZZ Top is on tour, and
  will be making an appearance this Sunday, 6/22, at Aberdeen Proving Ground
  in Maryland!  More info on the event here.

8:00PM - EST   

  Go All The Way To The Core... TF Core!

  If you haven't checked it out lately, be sure to check out one of our affiliates,
  TF Core!  If you're in any way shape or form a Transformers fan, they will put
  you on the right path...

10:00PM - EST   

  BTDT Welcomes erikstormtrooper.com

  If you're not already with erikstormtrooper, take a gander at the wealth of
  Star Wars collectible info found at his site. Just click the link on the right -->

10:00PM - EST   

  Stan Lee Appears Again In The Incredible Hulk

  It's no surprise to Marvel movie fans that comic artist Stan Lee makes cameo
  appearances in a variety of the superhero films- well, for those of you who
  have not yet seen the latest release of The Incredible Hulk, you'll be happy
  to know he has shown his face in this film too.  You will see him in the very
  beginning of the movie, falling victim to drinking some "tainted" soda..

  Be on the lookout when you see The Incredible Hulk!

  UPDATE: we also get to see Lou Ferrigno in a cameo, playing the role of a
  security guard- thanks to the producers of this film for paying homage to
  those who helped make The Incredible Hulk a global phenomenon!

9:00AM - EST   

  Wilhelm Scream Makes Kung Fu Panda

  It almost seems like it should be tracked going forward when the Wilhelm scream
  ISN'T in an action movie, because what started out as a trait in Star Wars
  movies has made its way across virtually all of the film industry.  

  At the point in the movie when the character Tai Lung escapes from prison,
  there is a huge fight sequence- it is at that point you hear the infamous
  Wilhelm scream.

  And yes, it made its way into IJ Crystal Skull too!  The saga continues...

8:00AM - EST   

  Incoming Transmission From LucasArts

  The crew over at LucasArts has provided us with the following update:

Just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know that we released a new web documentary for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed this morning. The video, titled “A New Chapter: The Story of The Force Unleashed” delves into the story of the game and reveals previously unknown details about this new chapter in the Star Wars Saga. It’s currently available at the official website at www.theforceunleashed.com.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ships on September 16th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PSP. The game’s official website is at www.theforceunleashed.com

  Thanks guys!

12:00PM - EST   

  Star....... CARS

  No, no Star WARS in this post- ever wonder about those cars that were in your
  favorite TV show?   Like, who built them?  Where they are now?

  If so, then this site is worth taking a peek at.

12:00PM - EST   

  Harrison Ford's Next Role

  Now that Ford's been able to move on beyond his IJ role, his next appearance
  will be in CBS Films' drama, Crowley.  He plays the role of a scientist who has
  found a potential cure to a rare genetic disorder.  More here.

4:00PM - EST   

  Happy Birthday Natalie Portman

  The woman who carried the Force twins (not to be confused with the Wonder
  Twins) turns 27 today- best wishes, Natalie!

8:00AM - EST   

  ATARI Movie Coming

  Now how cool will this be?  Leo DiCaprio will be starring as Nolan Bushnell,
  the creator of Atari and one of the founding fathers of the vidgame industry.

  You can read the full article over at Variety.com here.  This will be a great
  movie for our fellow gamer junkies to check out!

9:30PM - EST   

  Knievel Continues...

  Many of us "older folk" grew up watching Evel Knievel on ABC and other TV
  stations, as he jumped trucks, buses, canyons, and pretty much anything
  else his physicians would approve him for- he died on November 30, 2007, at
  the age of 69, which is actually pretty miraculous when you think about how
  he spent his days alive..  We here at beforethedarktimes.com were proud to
  honor him on that day in 2007.

  Something really great has happened though, even after he has left us: Evel
  was born Robert Craig Knievel- he was also a father of 4, one of his children
  being named Robbie.  Robbie continues to jump today in honor of his father's
  legendary career.  Just last night he jumped 21 Hummers at Texas Motor
  Speedway.  This comes right after his 5/24 jump in Mason, OH of 24 delivery
  trucks!  We have to wonder where he might pop up for 4th of July..

  For those of us who were so greatly impacted by his father's accomplishments,
  we can only hope that Robbie's appearances AND his good luck continue on.
  We applaud Robbie for his decision to continue this tradition in honor of his
  father.  Dedication to family history at that level is unfortunately a dying
  trait in today's Society.  You can read more on Robbie Knievel here, and his
  father, here.

9:00AM - EST   

  30 Minutes Of 80s Cartoons

  Forget about your regular 30-minute workout for today, and enjoy this
  half-hour culmination of 80s cartoon openings!  Take the trip back here...

10:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars/Aliens Software Props

  Check out these cool software tidbits that look like they come right off the
  Star Wars and Aliens soundstages!  They can be used for screensavers and
  all kinds of other great applications as well.  Thanks goes to BTDT reader
  Sergiu Rusu for the heads up!

10:00AM - EST   

  Happy Birthday, Qui-Gon

  The Master Jedi whom we saw helped bring Obi-Wan up to speed on the Force
  turns 56 today.  Best Wishes from beforethedarktimes.com!

9:00AM - EST   

  stupidgamer.com Banner Submissions Due By Today

  If you're looking to enter in the stupidgamer.com banner contest, it ends today-
  Better get busy!  Best of luck to all contestants...

9:00AM - EST   

  Indiana Jones And The Devil's Tower Pile Of Cash

  As of Wednesday of this week, IJIV had been in theatres for 13 days, and is
  up to $226MM in cumulative earnings so far.  It's quickly catching up to Iron
  Man's current cumulative total of $280MM, which has been out for 34 days.

  Man, did we go into the wrong line of work or what??!!  More info here.

9:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Flashback: The Professional

  For anyone who has never seen this film to date, it is a must-see.  It is a
  fantastic movie with a simple plot, and great acting by someone the reading
  community here at BTDT always appreciates, Natalie Portman (it's actually one
  of her first films).  Gary Oldman also has a great role in the film, portraying a
  DEA officer who appears to have a few substance abuse habits of his own...

  And if knowing Natalie's in it still doesn't grab you, how about knowing that at
  multiple times during the film, they show clips of the original Transformers
  animated series playing on a TV?  Now THAT woke you up, didn't it!

  Here's a treat: Natalie Portman casting for the role of Matilda.

  Remember, the number one rule: no women or children...

9:00AM - EST   

  Transformers 2 Title Announced

  It was announced today that the title for the upcoming Transformers sequel
  will be TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN.

  Thanks goes to hasbro.com for the update!

1:00PM - EST   

  beforethedarktimes.com Reviews JOURNEY: REVELATION

  Wondering if the new CD is worth picking up?  Check out what we thought of
  it here.

1:00PM - EST   

  Have You Gotten Your IJ Exclusive Figure Yet?

  Without giving out alot of detail on the exclusive figure, to help out those
  movie-goin' slow pokes, we just have to ask if you've gotten your required
  items together for the exclusive figure offer?  If not, you better get moving!

8:00PM - EST   

  Time To Continue On The Journey

  A dream that has been a long time coming for Journey fans around the Globe is
  here- the band is back with a new singer, a new CD, with NEW material, and
  yes, a new tour..

  More info on the new CD release here.  Available tomorrow, 6/3..

8:00PM - EST   

  Harrison Ford Appearance At OshKosh Air Show

  From July 28 through August 3, The OshKosh Air Show will have a regular
  special guest attendee, Harrison Ford.  He will be announcing all of the films,
  and will be present for other events as well.

  Also at the event will be one of the beforethedarktimes comedy favorites,
  Jeff Dunham.  Let's hope Peanut or Walter don't start taking pot shots at
  Harrison's career!

10:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  If you're in proximity of NC, below is an event worth checking out this weekend:

  5/31-6/1 in NC: Toy, Hobby, Sportscard show, Greensboro Coliseum Special
                        Events Ctr. I-40, Exit 217 919-553-4285

  Is your organization having a toy show, costume event, or general club
  gathering?  Drop us an email and we'll add it to the list.

8:00AM - EST   

  Your Own CLONE WARS Poster

  Don't you just love eBay?  Get one now before the movie hits and get it on
  the wall!

8:00PM - EST   

  stupidgamer.com Game Giveaway!

  Play video games?  Like doing graphic design?  Make them a new banner for
  their site and you might just have a free video game coming your way!
  More info here.

  Here were the submissions from beforethedarktimes.com:

option 1
option 2
option 3

12:00PM - EST   

  Jeff Dunham Feels The Force

  We've been following this guy's acts since 1992, and have loved him ever since-
  but why are we sharing these details with you?  Because in his latest DVD,
  Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity , you will find a few hidden Star Wars references
  which are well-placed.. and if you don't know who Jeff Dunham is, now's the
  time to find out!

11:00PM - EST   

  Birthday Wishes To The Dooku

  Christopher Lee turns 86 today, and what a run the man has had!  In his
  honor, here's a little clip of him back from his Dracula days..

  Happy Birthday Christopher!

7:00AM - EST   

  Happy Memorial Day From beforethedarktimes.com

  While enjoying your BBQs, family gatherings, and most of all, time off from work,
  please be sure to take a minute of the day to thank those soldiers who made
  not only the holiday possible, but also for keeping our Country the best in
  the known world..

  Indiana Jones IV: $25MM on Day One

  The anticipated 4th installment of Indiana Jones is doing very well out of the
  box office, with $25MM in profits on day one alone- the full story here.

7:00AM - EST   

  Secret History of Star Wars: Third Edition

  For those of you who have been tracking the development of Michael Kaminski's
  book, the THIRD EDITION is now available for download here.

Outrage | 2:00PM - EST   

  beforethedarktimes.com Review of IJ4   

  Wondering what BTDT thought of the latest IJ movie to hit the big screen?
  Check back with us tonight to see what we have to say about the latest
  chapter of the Jonesology...

12:00PM - EST   

  INDY EVE

  So, as many of us have hoped and prayed for, tomorrow is the debut of another
  very-long-awaited Indiana Jones movie...

  Now that the time has come, what are YOU doing in prep for the new film?
  Have you dug out any of the prior Indiana Jones films and watched them in
  honor of the new chapter?  Or maybe scoured the web for tidbits on your
  favorite Jones classic?

  Whatever it is you are doing in prep, beforethedarktimes.com is hoping you're
  enjoying the moment with us- and whatever it is you are doing to prepare
  yourself for the new movie release, we ask that you do just one thing....

  CHOOSE......... WISELY.........

  Welcome back Indy!  We're glad to have you back for one more adventure!

  -beforethedarktimes.com

9:00PM - EST   

  Crystal Skull Premiere Pics

  Hollywood.com has a lineup of images from the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival,
  showing Harrison Ford and the crew.  Check them out here.

7:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  This week's event list is thinner than Paris Hilton- however here at
  beforethedarktimes.com, we strive to keep you up to date on any and all
  events happening.  And here it is:

  May 17 Des Moines, Iowa: 20th Annual Spring Doll, Bear, and Toy Show-
  IA State Fairgrounds, Walnut Ctr, E. 30th and Univ. 9AM-3PM. $3 Admission
  (kids under 10 free). 515-986-1975.

7:00AM - EST   

  Vader On Harmonica

  Always gotta be careful when opening Pandora's Box...

3:00PM - EST   

  May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

  For those of you who don't already know, a large chunk of the beforethedarktimes
  reader base are motorcycle riders and/or enthusiasts.  They congregate
  regularly in our Forums, sharing war stories, pics, and more.

  May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so please be kind to your
  2-wheeled colleagues out on the open road- even though you might not always
  see them, they're THERE!

8:00PM - EST   

  Happy Birthday, George

  The man who brought Luke, Obi, Indy, and many others to life turns 64 today!
  Best Wishes to him on this special day!

8:00AM - EST   

  Indiana Jones Glowing Spoon Offer

  OK fellow cereal promo junkies, this one's for you..  Where would Indiana be
  without his glowing spoons!

  We were going to review this promo, but came across a fan doing a
  YouTube review on one of them.  We think she covered the details further than
  we ever could have, so check it out!

  PS: who's Cameron?

3:00PM - EST   

  Holy Hot Cars, Batman!

  Got 500 grand you can stand to part with?  Then a Batmobile can be yours!
  Wonder what warranty package comes with that..

7:00PM - EST   

  The Clone Wars Movie Trailer Is Here!

  Get ready for August 15th!  Check out the trailer at the official site.

  Does anyone see a hint of Beowulf technology in the CGI??

7:00AM - EST   

  Still Got That Iron Man Comic #1?

  If you still have that first issue of Iron Man lying around, you might want to
  dig it out and check its condition.. it could be worth a couple of bills just like
  this one.

6:00PM - EST   

  The Dark Knight Trailer - LEGO Style

  Someone had too much time (and legos) on their hands, but definitely
  guaranteed to generate a giggle..  Check it out.

12:00PM - EST   

  FIRST BLOOD Back On The Big Screen - 5/15/08

  For you Rambo fans out there, FIRST BLOOD will be returning back to the big
  screen for ONE NIGHT ONLY and ONE SHOWING ONLY, on 5/15/08.  Be sure
  to check out the details at your local theatre for more information!

12:00PM - EST   

  Happy Birthday, Bishop

  Lance Henriksen turns 68 today!  His resume includes roles in Pumpkinhead,
  The Terminator (where he initially was supposed to BE the Terminator), and
  unforgettably, as milk-blooded Bishop in the Alien movies.

  Best Wishes to Lance from beforethedarktimes.com..

7:00AM - EST   

  Autobot Busa?

  Thought folks here might like to see what Optimus Prime rides during his
  down-time..  Check it out here.

  Kudos to Triple Plate Customs in Newark, DE for the stellar work!

10:00PM - EST   

  beforethedarktimes.com reviews IRON MAN

  Wondering if this movie is going to be worth 2 hours (and 6 minutes) of
  your life?  See what we thought here (caution mild spoilers).

11:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Deal Or No Deal Footage

  For those of you who missed the episode of Deal or No Deal last night, you
  can view it here.  Thanks goes out to wojtekww for the vid capture!

8:00AM - EST   

  7th Annual Free Comic Book Weekend At The Comic Book Shop

  This coming weekend, The Comic Book Shop in Wilmington DE will be having
  one of their regular comic book sales, and all customers will get a free comic!

  Check their main site for more info!

8:00AM - EST   

  Attention All Pinball Lovers..

  This week's BTDT Home Arcade Highlight goes out to a dude who we'll
  simply refer to as JukeBoxHero- the guy is a electromechanical mecca, and
  for this week we highlight a glimpse of his gaming past: click here to see
  the JukeBoxHero and his killer lineup of classic pinball games!  For those
  fellow pin officionados, you might want to get a cup first to catch the drool..

  Oh and one other thing- the guy also loves arcade games too, but we
  thought showing you too many of his machines at one shot might land some
  folks in ICU- baby steps, baby steps...

8:00PM - EST   

  Natalie Portman Prefers Wookiees?

  In the latest issue of Us Weekly, Natalie Portman is shown with her latest flame,
  Devendra Banhart.  The scary thing is, the guy looks like he just left
  Kashyyyk!

  Should we talk to Peter Mayhew to see if he had any impact on her interest
  in these kinds of guys?  Thanks goes to BTDT reader Queen AmiDana for the
  find..

7:00AM - EST   

  More Lights Over Phoenix

  In 1997, an event dubbed "The Phoenix Lights" took place, where many
  reported the sighting of multiple lights in the air in Phoenix AZ, hovering
  for hours.

  As of last night, the event has happened once again, ironically in the same
  general location..  Is it UFO-related?  Or just coincidence?

  Check out the discussion already underway in our Forums.

7:00AM - EST   

  Indiana Jones M&M's Coming

  Be on the lookout for the attack of the promos!  Yesterday we reported that
  Burger King is breaking out the Iron Man fast food toys already, and it was
  reported earlier on that Burger King will also be doing an Indiana Jones promo,
  so be on the lookout for more great toys coming from them.

  However, as mentioned in the title of this post, be ready for some more IJ
  promos showing up on M&M packaging and more very soon!

7:00PM - EST   

  Iron Man Toys At Burger King

  The new fast food promos for Iron Man are already being deployed.  More info
  here.

3:00PM - EST   

  BTDT Forums Are Back Online

  Please resume general swim...

3:00PM - EST   

  The Star Wars Help Desk

  Maybe we should call these guys for help with our Forums!

12:00PM - EST   

  Happy Birthday To The Chosen One!

  beforethedarktimes.com is pleased to announce that Hayden Christensen turns
  27 today!  Best Wishes to the Man In Black..

12:00PM - EST   

  The Ultimate SW Personality Test

  So who do you think your psyche models after?  Yoda?  Mace?  Padme?
  Click here and find out!  Thanks goes to fsusux for the find...

12:00PM - EST   

  Forum Downtime

  While the Forums are being renovated, we apologize for the inconvenience-
  however we do still have our Blog, so be sure to drop an email if you would
  like to be registered for it!

12:00PM - EST   

  Joker Scenes Will Remain In Tact

  According to this post over at scifi.com, all of the footage including Heath
  Ledger will remain in tact for the July release of The Dark Knight.

  This is great news to hear, as we here at beforethedarktimes.com think that
  Heath would have wanted it that way.

9:00PM - EST   

  Millenium Falcon Spotted In Mexico

  I never would have fingered Chewie for a tequila drinker.. but hey I've been
  wrong before.  Check it.

9:00PM - EST   

  Indy 4 Goes To The Printers

  According to HFW, the master reels of Indy 4 go to the printers tomorrow, to
  be duped into the copies of the movie to be shipped to theatres.  We're in the
  the home stretch!

9:00PM - EST   

  New Star Wars Gaming Platform

  We've all become familiar with Playstation, Wii, even handhelds.. But here's
  one you won't find at the local TRU... how about on: OSCILLOSCOPE!

  Don't know if the kids will love it or not, but your local molecular biologist will
  probably wet his pants..

11:00AM - EST   

  Why Jedi And X-Men Shouldn't Hang Together: DECEPTION

  Be sure to check out the latest feature starring Ewan McGregor and Hugh
  Jackman, starting April 25th.

  Obi Wan, why can't you just follow the Jedi code???

10:00PM - EST   

  Happy Birthday, Mrs. Connor

  Claire Danes turns 29 today- we wish her the best on this day.  Keep taking
  out those HK's!

5:00AM - EST   

  BotCon 2008 Is Coming

  "AUTOBOTS, ROLL OUT!!"
  
  Are you ready for BotCon?  If not, you better read this.  Happening
  April 24-27 in Cincinatti, OH.

7:00AM - EST   

  SW Spike-Fest Continues Tonight With Episode IV

  For many, this is where the saga REALLY started..  Be sure to check it out
  tonight!

7:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  Here are a few events happening this weekend- if you're nearby, be sure to
  check them out!

  April 12: San Antonio, TX- Eckmans Toy, Card and Comic Show, Live Oak
  Civic Ctr. I-35 and Loop 1604 210-945-0003

  April 13: Pittsburgh PA- antique and collectible show, Castle Shannon Firehall,
  Rt 88 South of of Pittsburgh. 8AM-2PM 724-941-2338

7:00AM - EST   

  The East Coast Gaming Expo Is Coming

  After 5 years, the East Coast Gaming Expo is still going strong!  This year's
  event will be taking place on Sunday, 5/4 at the Greater Reading Expo Center.
  More info here.

7:00AM - EST   

  Leia Or No Leia?

  On the Monday 4/28 episode of Deal or No Deal, all of the models will be
  dressing up in Slave Leia garb.. set your DVR's for STUN.....  Does that make
  Howie Mandel Bib Fortuna?

  More on the update here.  Thanks to BTDT reader JLC for the heads up!

10:00PM - EST   

  Defender Prototype 1978- See Anything Interesting?

  Click on the image above, and see if you notice anything interesting regarding
  this prototype of the infamous DEFENDER arcade game..  and no, it wasn't
  Photoshopped-

7:00PM - EST   

  The Men Behind The Masks

  This update is a little different from the tour you know of with Jeremy Bulloch
  and company... the battle wages on between who truly owns the rights to
  the Stormtrooper helmet.  Check it out.

  Hopefully executive powers won't need to be issued to the Chancellor!

9:00PM - EST   

  The Force Unleashed Web Documentary, Part IV

  beforethedarktimes.com is proud to present the latest installment of the
  documentary, regarding one of the newest Star Wars titles to hit the gaming
  realm!  Check it out here:

1:00PM - EST   

  BTDT's Home Arcade Highlight (HAH)

  Today's Home Arcade Highlight (HAH) spotlights those games owned by
  someone named YourMAMEMan..  He owns a SW Trilogy arcade game, along
  with some other classics.  You can see his lineup here.

  Wanna show off your home arcade to other enthusiasts, or to those who
  simply hope to have what you have one day?  Drop us a line with your pics
  or video footage, and we'll post your collection for all the world to see!

  And also, don't forget to check out our Lost Arcade section!

1:00PM - EST   

  The Man Who Designed The TRON Arcade Cabinet

  Thanks goes out to Peter Hirschberg for putting us in touch with the creator
  of what is probably one of the most gorgeous arcade game cabinets ever
  produced: TRON.  The man who brought it to life was George Gomez, and
  you can hear him reflect on the development ideas here.  Be sure to also
  take note of the STAR WARS book and drawing on his desk in the image!  It
  was snapped in 1982, so can you say, precursor to ROTJ??

  And for those of you who have forgotten the ways of the arcade since your
  childhood, here's a peek at the infamous TRON arcade game.

7:00AM - EST   

  Birthday Wishes To Stan Winston

  If you've never seen a scifi film that Stan Winston wasn't involved with in some
  way shape or form, chances are you're probably Amish.. This special effects
  mecca turns 62 today.

  Here is just one example of his legacy of incredible work.

7:00AM - EST   

  Happy Birthday, Lando

  The man who brought charm and finesse to the City of the Clouds turns 71
  today..  Happy Birthday Billy Dee!

10:00PM - EST   

  The Return of Dune

  Missing some Spice in your life?  Take a look at this!

10:00PM - EST   

  3 Days To SPIKE-FEST!

  Ready to see ALL of the Star Wars films in their proper order?  Well, get
  ready to SPIKE it, starting this Friday!  Check it out.

7:00AM - EST